A new virulent strain of Panama Disease known as Tropical Race is emerging from Asia to threaten Cavendish. With no alternative tradable varieties available, and no chemical disease controls, supply is extremely vulnerable. This interdisciplinary research programme is investigating the resilience of banana production and supply from biological, ecological, economic and social perspectives to safeguard the supply of this important fruit.
More than five billion bananas purchased in Britain each year, however one single variety – Cavendish – is traded internationally.
